Press Release

For Immediate Release

Massimo Pacetti will not seek re-election in 2015

March 18th 2015-Montral (Qubec) Close to thirteen years ago I made the decision to seek election as the

Member of Parliament for the riding of Saint-Lonard / Saint-Michel and with the support of my family, my
friends, and my constituents, I was able to win five consecutive elections. Each time I was chosen to represent
my community in Ottawa I was filled with great pride and humility because as a native son of the riding it was
gratifying that my neighbors entrusted me with this immense responsibility.
Saint-Lonard / Saint-Michel is one of the most diverse ridings in the entire country and while this presents us
with certain challenges I have always viewed our diversity as a great source of strength and vitality. Since my
first election in 2002, I have sought to advance issues that mattered to our community but always within the
context of the betterment of Canada.
Over the span of thirteen years it is difficult to highlight every accomplishment but having served under the
leadership of two Liberal Prime Ministers I had the opportunity to support many great decisions on the
national and international level that Canada benefited from. I also had the opportunity to play a direct role in
helping my community in those years such as being part of the process that ensured that the Canadian Grand
Prix remained in Montreal during Mr. Jean Chretiens tenure and, under Mr. Paul Martins leadership, I was
proud to have a role in obtaining permission for the Italian channel RAI international to be viewed in
Canada.
Other accomplishments as a Member of Parliament which stood out in my mind were being elected Chairman
of the Finance Committee in 2004, seeing my Private Members Bill, Bill C-302 the Italian-Canadian
Recognition and Restitution Act, passed in the House of Commons on April 28, 2010, and working with finance
officials to change the rules in order to facilitate access to Registered Disability Savings Plans.
However, my best work has been in cases where I was able to help people on files that fell outside of my
immediate mandate. Having the opportunity, by virtue of being a Member of Parliament, to make an
immediate positive impact on the life of another person is probably what I will remember most of all because
the desire to help others is why I chose to run for public office in the first place.
Being a Member of Parliament is an extraordinary experience and a privilege but there comes a time in every
persons life when they need to take stock of what is best for the people they care about. The work of a
Member of Parliament is incredibly rewarding but it is also incredibly demanding. The time and energy
required to effectively carry out the duties of a Parliamentarian are considerable and, upon reflection, I have
come to the realization that seeking re-election in 2015 would not be in the interests of my family or my
constituents.
I will continue to fulfill my responsibilities as a Member of Parliament by serving out my term and continuing
to represent the residents of my riding of Saint-Lonard / Saint-Michel with professionalism and dedication.
In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my family, my friends, and all the people who have
supported me throughout my time in politics.
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For additional information, please contact Ben Niro at 514-256-4548